Last season was a write-off for the Red Devils but with a new man at the helm they can get back to challenging for titles, says David McDonnell

Back on track: United can challenge for glory again with LVG at the helm (Photo: Action Images)

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Not long now until the new Premier League season kicks off and it promises to be an open one.

The top five will all be confident of challenging for the title, having all strengthened in the summer transfer window.

But what of Manchester United ? Can they bounce back from last season's disappointment and challenge?

Here's David McDonnell with five reasons why they can.

The LVG effect

Charismatic, demanding and meticulous, Van Gaal won titles in his first seasons at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

He said at his official unveiling at Old Trafford: "I always think first place not fourth" - an indication of his belief in United's ability to challenge for the title this term, despite their seventh place finish last season.

With Van Gaal at the helm, United will be a more formidable proposition, and his sheer force of will, conviction and tactical nous could carry them to title glory this season.

Rooney and RVP

United's first-choice strike pairing effectively missed a season between them last term, which made a significant contribution to their demise under David Moyes. Keeping Rooney and RVP fit is essential to United's title hopes, with Van Gaal wanting to pair them up top together, with Juan Mata operating behind them in the hole.

Rooney and RVP started just 16 of United's 55 games together last season, conclusive proof their collective absence was a major factor in their dismal campaign.

Mata central

Moyes sanctioned the record £37.5million purchase of Mata, then proceeded to shunt him out wide, rather than play him in his most effective position, off the main striker, where he can cause maximum damage to opponents.

Van Gaal has restored Mata to his favoured position on United's tour of the US and intends to play him in the hole, behind Rooney and RVP, in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

Capacity to Strengthen

United have spent almost £60m on Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, but their spending is not over, with van Gaal having admitted he is actively pursuing defenders, with Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra having left this summer.

Add to that Ryan Giggs, who retired to become Van Gaal's assistant, and further players to be jettisoned, and it is clear there will be further additions to the United squad before the transfer deadline.

Mats Hummels and Thomas Vermaelen are two defenders Van Gaal is chasing, while he is keen to add another central midfielder. Expect United's squad to be significantly stronger by the start of the season, enhancing their title chances.

No European football

The price of United's worst ever Premier League season was no European football next season. Yet their enforced absence from the Champions League next season, the first time in 19 years they have failed to grace Europe's elite club competition, may ultimately help them in their quest to reassert their domestic superiority and challenge for the title.

Fewer fixtures will enable United to focus on the title, a particular benefit as they adjust to a new formation and philosophy under Van Gaal, while their immediate rivals will have to combine European commitments with the domestic programme.